Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Sumatra, Batak Peoples, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. An oracle/divination device carved from a water buffalo rib, inscribed with iconographically symbolic figural and geometric patterns, including lobster-like figures and lizards on one side and a grid pattern on the other. Inscriptions on rib bones like this one often contain calendrical information used by priests to divine auspicious days for particular activities. For agricultural communities, the calendar serves as a critical tool used to guide planting, growth, and the time of harvest. These calendars record time in accordance with the movement of the sun and the moon. Size: 1.5" W x 13.3" H (3.8 cm x 33.8 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#136562

  • Condition: Rich patina on surface with nice preservation of artwork. Light deposits and wear commensurate with age. String at top is not original.

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July 25, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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